Sunday’s NFL Week 3 afternoon games left several teams facing significant injury questions, with Justin Jefferson, De’Von Achane, Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans among the biggest names to exit. Breece Hall and Brian Burns also failed to finish, while the Raiders lost Jack Bech to a broken forearm.
This roundup covers injuries reported from the 1 p.m., 4:05 p.m. and 4:25 p.m. ET games on Sunday, September 27, 2026. It reflects Sunday evening reporting; in-game designations do not establish availability for Week 4.
De’Von Achane Leaves Dolphins With Knee Injury
Achane suffered a knee injury in the first quarter against Kansas City and was ultimately ruled out. Sports Injury Central’s game update reported that he underwent evaluation before Miami ended his afternoon.
Dolphins coach Jeff Hafley’s postgame assessment was pessimistic. That raises concern, but it is not a confirmed diagnosis or recovery timetable. Miami’s next medical update will be more informative than attempts to judge severity from the play itself.
Justin Jefferson Ruled Out Against Buccaneers
Minnesota lost Jefferson to an ankle injury during the first half at Tampa Bay. He went to the locker room and was later ruled out, finishing with two catches for 32 yards, according to the Associated Press. Tampa Bay receiver Jalen McMillan also was ruled out with a knee injury.
Jefferson’s exit makes Minnesota’s follow-up reporting a priority for fantasy managers. Being unable to finish Sunday’s game is meaningful, but it does not by itself establish how much time he might miss. A confirmed diagnosis and subsequent practice participation will determine the next steps.
Baker Mayfield Suffers Dislocated Thumb
Mayfield injured his throwing hand late in Tampa Bay’s loss to Minnesota. Coach Todd Bowles identified a dislocated thumb, and rookie Jalon Daniels handled the final possession, Field Level Media reported.
According to NFL.com, Bowles said X-rays showed no fracture and an MRI was scheduled for Monday.
The remaining question is what the additional evaluation means for Mayfield’s ability to throw and prepare for the next game. Tampa Bay has a specific diagnosis to work from, but the reports cited here do not establish a return date.
Mike Evans and Trent Williams Exit for 49ers
Evans left San Francisco’s game against Arizona with a rib injury and was ruled out. He was taken off on a cart after receiving attention on the sideline, the Associated Press reported.
49ers Webzone’s postgame report said Kyle Shanahan described uncertainty about the rib/oblique issue pending further evaluation. Ian Rapoport reported a rib strain, but Shanahan had not established the precise nature or timetable of the injury in his comments.
Trent Williams suffered a stinger and did not return. San Francisco also lost Gracen Halton to cramps, while Dre Greenlaw briefly returned after a quad injury before being removed again. Deommodore Lenoir and Renardo Green returned after concussion evaluations, and Garret Wallow returned following a stinger.
For the 49ers, the concern extends beyond one position. Any absences would affect both the available receiving options and the protection around Brock Purdy, making the next team update especially consequential.
Breece Hall Ruled Out With Thigh Injury
Hall exited the Jets’ game at Detroit with a thigh injury in the fourth quarter and was ruled out. Braelon Allen replaced him, according to Field Level Media. Hall finished with 32 rushing yards on 13 attempts and three receptions for 23 yards.
Allen is consequently a player to monitor as the Jets assess Hall. Sunday’s replacement role is useful context for fantasy planning, but a larger Week 4 workload remains conditional on Hall’s availability.
Brian Burns Faces Further Testing
Burns injured his right knee in the fourth quarter of the Giants’ win over Tennessee. The Associated Press reported that further testing was planned, with John Harbaugh awaiting an MRI before determining the severity.
The Titans also had injuries to guard Fernando Carmona and running back Tyjae Spears, both involving ankles. Their subsequent evaluations will matter more than the initial game-day descriptions.
Jack Bech Suffers Broken Forearm
Bech’s injury was one of the afternoon’s more definite developments: Athlon reported a broken arm after the Raiders’ game at New Orleans. NFL Media reporting cited by Silver and Black Pride indicated he was headed for injured reserve, with a possibility of returning later in the season.
That reported move should be distinguished from a completed roster transaction. Las Vegas will need to redistribute receiving snaps if Bech is unavailable, but his eventual return date remains unsettled.
Panthers Lose Multiple Starters; Bryce Young Finishes
Carolina’s official postgame report documented a difficult afternoon in Cleveland. Jalen Coker left with a quad injury and Mike Jackson with a groin injury; neither returned. Jaycee Horn suffered a quad injury late in the game and required assistance leaving the field.
Bryce Young was checked for a lower-body issue but did not miss an offensive snap. Left guard Damien Lewis returned after an elbow injury, wearing a brace. Those returns are an important distinction from the players Carolina was unable to put back into the game.
Other Reported Injuries and Returns
Buffalo confirmed Christian Benford’s toe injury against the Chargers; he did not return. Seattle’s official in-game update said Nick Emmanwori returned after being listed questionable with a hamstring issue.
NFL.com’s roundup also listed these non-returning players: Baltimore’s Ethan Pocic (knee) and Jovaughn Gwyn (ankle); Cincinnati’s Colbie Young (knee) and Bryan Cook (ankle); Houston’s Mario Edwards (knee); Las Vegas’ Jackson Powers-Johnson (groin); the Chargers’ Donte Jackson (concussion); Minnesota’s Josh Oliver (arm) and Charles Demmings (hamstring); New England’s Christian Barmore (shoulder) and Greg Van Roten (thigh); and New Orleans’ Travis Etienne and Pete Werner (stinger). Etienne’s injury was not specified in that roundup.
What to Watch Before Week 4
Monday’s medical updates should help separate short-term setbacks from injuries requiring extended absences. For fantasy decisions, wait for those findings and the ensuing practice reports before treating any replacement as a locked-in starter. For the teams involved, the immediate task is determining who can prepare for the next game and where additional depth is needed.
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